Seventeen-year-old Jordan DeMay was a promising student and athlete at Marquette Senior High School in Michigan. He was the homecoming king with a bright future ahead of him. After he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, it was revealed that he was a victim of a Nigeria-based sextortion ring. 

DeMay took his own life in March 2022. The international sextortion ring was uncovered through his Instagram account. Messages between DeMay and the alleged Nigerian scammers pushed the teen to his suicide.

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan announced the indictment of three accused perpetrators. Samuel Ogoshi (22), Samson Ogoshi (20), and Ezekiel Ejehem Robert (19), all from Lagos, Nigeria, were each indicted on four counts for the “sextortion” of DeMay. 

DeMay's mother, Jennifer Buta, expressed her devastation and anger at the press conference announcing the indictment.

She said, "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what Jordan went through that night and how scared he was because of this senseless act."

Sextortion ring operated on Instagram

The alleged scammers purchased a hacked Instagram account under the handle "dani.robertts" and were posing as a teenage girl. They chatted with DeMay and encouraged him to send explicit photos, which they later used to blackmail him for money.

According to the indictment, the trio targeted more than 100 victims. They hit both minors and adults, in their global sextortion operation.

This type of crime is on the rise, and perpetrators often pretend to be someone else to encourage victims to send sexual messages or photos that can be used for blackmail purposes. In the past, the scam has also been used to obtain explicit photos to sell on the dark web.

In DeMay's case, the alleged scammers threatened to send the photos to his family and friends if he did not send them money. After DeMay paid $300, Ogoshi continued to threaten him.

 In response to a message from DeMay saying he was "kms rn (kill myself right now)]," Ogoshi allegedly responded, "Good. Do that fast. Or I’ll make you do it. I swear to God." 

Immediately after the exchange DeMay committed suicide.

The extradition process is now underway, with the Nigerian government collaborating with U.S. authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and more defendants may be charged in the future.

If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.